Hillel

“...One who is ashamed to ask cannot learn, and one who is quick to anger cannot teach.” — Hillel (Avot 2:5)

One who hesitates to ask others to explain something vague or puzzling which he has read or heard because he is afraid he will look foolish, will stay foolish.

One who is easily angered is not suited to be a teacher or a spiritual leader of a community. Anger deprives him at that moment of the wisdom required to explain things properly, and therefore confuses both talker and listener. Furthermore, how can a student be expected to pay attention to someone who is hostile to him? “The words of the wise are heard when they are gentle.”

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